If you want to start your career as a Surgical Tech you should get certified.
Getting certified simply means you have proved your skills through a certifying organization.
Moreover, employers value certified surgical techs because they are more credible and trusted by patients.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss why surgical techs should get certified, and the different certification options, discussing each option in depth from their exam details, and application fees, to recertification and retests.
We’ll also discuss how you can get certified, and then we’ll talk about a training program that makes you certification-ready faster in 4 months or less.
So, stay tuned!
Why Should You Get Certified as a Surgical Tech?
To get certified as a Surgical Tech is a strategic career move that offers numerous benefits.
It not only validates your skills and knowledge but also opens up a multitude of opportunities for professional growth.
It is an investment in your future that can open doors to advanced roles and ensure long-term career success.
If you are committed to excelling in the field of surgical technology, obtaining certification is a crucial step that you should seriously consider.
Here are several reasons why you should get certified as a Surgical Tech:
Enhanced Job Opportunities
Certification significantly boosts your employability. Many employers prefer or require certified Surgical Techs because it assures them that the candidate has met a standardized level of education and competency.
Certified professionals often have access to a broader range of job opportunities and are considered more competitive in the job market.
Higher Earning Potential
Certified Surgical Techs typically earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certification can lead to better pay scales, making the investment in certification financially beneficial over the long term.
The average annual salary for Surgical Techs is around $60,370, but certified professionals can earn significantly more; upwards of $83,150.
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Professional Recognition and Credibility
Certification provides professional recognition and enhances your credibility in the field. It signifies that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a Surgical Tech effectively.
This recognition can lead to greater respect from colleagues, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals.
Improved Patient Care
Certified Surgical Techs are trained to adhere to the highest standards of patient care and safety. Certification ensures that you are well-versed in the latest surgical techniques, aseptic procedures, and technological advancements. This directly translates to better patient outcomes and reduced risk of complications during surgical procedures.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
In some states, certification is a legal requirement to work as a Surgical Tech. Obtaining certification ensures that you are in compliance with state regulations and professional standards. This can protect you from legal issues and ensure that you can practice without any hindrances.
Job Security
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and job security can be a concern. Certification provides an added layer of job security because certified professionals are often preferred during hiring and promotion processes. Employers are more likely to retain certified staff during economic downturns or organizational changes.
Networking Opportunities
Becoming certified often involves joining professional organizations and attending industry conferences. These platforms provide excellent networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with other professionals in the field, share knowledge, and learn about new job openings or advancements in surgical technology.
Personal Satisfaction and Achievement
Achieving certification is a significant professional milestone that brings a sense of personal satisfaction and achievement. It reflects your dedication to the profession and your commitment to providing the best possible care to patients. This personal accomplishment can be highly motivating and rewarding.
Preparation for Advanced Roles
Certification is often a stepping stone to more advanced roles within the surgical team. With experience and further education, certified Surgical Techs can pursue roles such as Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Tech Instructor, or move into healthcare administration. Certification lays the groundwork for these advanced career paths.
Since you now understand why you need to get certified, let’s discuss about the certifications you can get as a surgical tech.
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-> How To Become A Surgical Tech?
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-> How To Become A Certified Surgical Tech?
-> How Long Does It Take To Become A Surgical Tech?
Surgical Tech Certifications
Certification for Surgical Technologists is a crucial step in enhancing your career prospects in the healthcare industry.
Various organizations offer certification programs that validate the skills and knowledge of Surgical Techs, ensuring they meet the high standards required in the surgical environment.
Whether you are just starting your career or seeking to advance, pursuing certification is an essential investment in your professional future.
For Surgical Techs, there are 3 main Certifications. They are among the top certifications that validate your skills, knowledge, and commitment to the profession.
The top 3 certifications are –
#1 TS-C by NCCT
The Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) certification is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
This certification is designed for Surgical Technologists who have completed an accredited surgical technology program or have relevant work experience.
This certification is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the field of surgical technology.
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-> Can You Be A Surgical Tech Without Certification?
#2 NCST by AAH
The American Allied Health (AAH) offers the National Certified Surgical Technologist (NCST) certification.
This certification is aimed at Surgical Technologists who seek to demonstrate their proficiency and commitment to the profession.
#3 CST by NBSTSA
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
TS-C Certification by NCCT
The Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) credential is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). It is one of the most popular certifications among surgical techs.
Eligibility
Here are the eligibility pathways for the TS-C certification:
- High School Diploma and completed an accredited surgical technology program within the last five years.
- Experienced Surgical Tech, with 3 years of full-time experience as a surgical technologist within the last five years.
- Military Experience by completing surgical technology training during U.S. Military service within the past five years.
Application and Fees
Candidates can apply for the TS-C exam through the NCCT website. The fee for the exam is $199.
Exam Details
The exam covers surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, patient care, operating room management, medical terminology, and legal/ethical considerations.
The exam includes 175 scored multiple-choice questions and 25 unscored pretest questions. It also features various question types like hotspot, drag and drop, and multi-select items.
Candidates have four hours to complete the examination. To pass the exam you need to get a score of 70.
What if you Fail?
You have a maximum of four attempts to pass the exam.
Candidates who do not pass the TS-C exam on the first attempt can retake it after a waiting period of 30 days for both their second and third attempts.
However, if you need to take it a fourth time, you must wait a full year before retesting.
Recertification
The TS-C certification must be renewed every five years. Recertification requirements include completing continuing education credits and submitting a recertification application along with the applicable fee.
NCCT provides resources and guidelines to help certificants maintain their credentials.
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NCST Certification by AAH
The NCST (National Certified Surgical Technologist) certification by the American Allied Health (AAH) is a credential that validates the skills and knowledge of surgical technologists.
This certification is recognized nationwide and is designed to ensure that surgical technologists meet high standards of practice.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the NCST certification, candidates must meet specific educational and professional requirements.
- Candidates must have completed a surgical technology program accredited.
- Candidates must have a verifiable 1-year work experience as a Surgical Technology practitioner.
- Relevant military training.
Application and Fees
The application process for the NCST certification involves several steps. Candidates must submit an application form along with the required documentation, such as proof of education and clinical experience.
The application fee for the NCST certification is generally around $130.
Exam Details
The NCST exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of surgical technology, including anatomy and physiology, aseptic technique, surgical procedures, and patient care.
The exam is typically online and is designed to assess the candidate’s knowledge and skills in surgical technology.
The exam comprises 150 scored questions and must be completed within 120 minutes. The passing score is set at 75%.
What if you Fail?
Candidates who do not pass the exam can retake it an unlimited number of times. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts.
The first retest is free of charge, but subsequent retests may require a nominal fee.
To review any discrepancies or issues in your exam you can appeal within 30 days of taking the exam.
Recertification
To renew your certification, you must meet two requirements: paying the renewal dues and completing a short online continuing education course worth at least 5 CE credits. Both of these tasks can be conveniently handled directly through your AAH account.
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-> What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
CST Certification by NBSTSA
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
It is designed to recognize individuals who meet the highest standards in the field of surgical technology.
However, the CST certification is not mandatory. The other two certifications are the most popular ones.
To get CST certification you might need to go to a CAAHEP or ABHES recognized school and that would take 2 years to complete.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CST exam,
- Candidates must have graduated from a surgical technology program accredited by the CAAHEP or the ABHES.
- Military training programs in surgical technology may also qualify if they were serving as Surgical Tech Practitioners.
Application and Fees
Candidates can apply for the CST exam through the NBSTSA’s online portal.
The application fee is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.
This fee covers the examination and processing. Applications can be expedited for an additional $50.
Exam Details
The CST exam consists of 175 questions, with 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions.
Candidates are given 4 hours to complete the exam, and the passing score is 102 out of the 150 scored questions.
The content of the exam is based on a job analysis survey to ensure it reflects current practices in surgical technology.
What if you Fail?
If a candidate fails the exam, they can retake it immediately but are limited to three attempts per calendar year. Each retest requires a new application and payment of the full examination fee.
Recertification
CSTs must renew their certification every 2 years. Recertification can be achieved by either retaking the CST exam again, or by completing 60 continuing education credits.
The recertification process ensures that CSTs remain up-to-date with advancements in surgical technology and maintain their professional competencies.
How To Get Certified as a Surgical Tech?
Embarking on a career as a Surgical Tech involves a series of well-defined steps. This guide will walk you through the process, from meeting the initial requirements to maintaining your certification.
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting Certified as a Surgical Tech:
Step 1 -> Meet the Requisites
To begin, ensure you meet the basic requirements. Typically, this includes having a high school diploma or equivalent.
Some programs may also require certain prerequisites such as coursework in biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Step 2 -> Find an accredited Surgical Tech Program
The next step is to find an accredited Surgical Tech program. Community colleges, vocational schools, universities, and online platforms offer these programs.
They usually take from 6 months to 2 years to complete and result in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
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Step 3 -> Enroll in an Online Surgical Tech Program
For those looking to start their career faster, enrolling in an online Surgical Tech program is a great option. One such online program is Preppy.
Preppy’s program is accredited, online, and self-paced, making it ideal for individuals with other commitments. It offers an externship opportunity and prepares you for certification exams.
More on Preppy in the next section.
Step 4 -> Acquire Clinical Experience Through an Externship
Hands-on experience is crucial in this field. Most Surgical Tech programs include an externship or clinical component where students work in a healthcare setting under supervision.
This experience is invaluable for developing practical skills and meeting certification requirements.
Step 5 -> Study and Pass the Exam to Get Certified
After completing your education and gaining clinical experience, the next step is to pass a certification exam.
The TS-C (Tech in Surgery – Certified) by NCCT is the most popular certification among surgical techs. However, you can also try the NCST certification by the AAH.
These exams test your knowledge and skills in surgical technology.
Step 6 -> Maintain Certification
Certification is not a one-time achievement. To maintain your certified status, you must fulfill continuing education requirements and recertify periodically.
This ensures you stay updated with the latest practices and advancements in the field. For example, TS-C certification requires recertification every 5 years, by completing continuing education credits.
So, by following these steps, you can build a successful career in surgical technology and contribute to high-quality patient care.
This structured approach will help you achieve your goal of becoming a certified Surgical Tech, ensuring you are well-prepared and qualified for the demands of the profession.
Preppy’s Surgical Tech Training Program
Preppy’s Surgical Tech program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in surgical technology through comprehensive, flexible, and affordable training.
Here are the Key Features of Preppy’s Surgical Tech Program:
Accredited, 100% Online, and Self-Paced Learning
You can complete the coursework at your own pace, making it ideal for individuals with other commitments.
The flexible scheduling allows you to balance your studies with work and family responsibilities.
Get Externship Opportunity
You can gain practical experience through externships at healthcare facilities near you.
Become Certification Exam-Ready
With this program, you become ready for exams like the NCST and TS-C and get certified.
Affordable Pricing
The program costs just $1599, which includes all expenses, making it accessible and reducing financial strain.
Bonus Offer
You can get a free laptop for your studies, which is yours to keep even after completing the course.
24/7 Support
You get access to instructors, tutors, and technical help at any time enhances your learning experience.
Faster Completion
If you start today, then you become job-ready within 4 months, accelerating your entry into the workforce.
Ultimately, Preppy’s Surgical Tech training program stands out by offering a thorough and flexible education that is affordable and convenient, making it an excellent choice for those aspiring to start a career in surgical technology.
Conclusion
We hope this article enlightens you about getting certified, different certification options, and how you can get certified as a surgical tech.
So, getting certified is absolutely necessary.
A certification not only enhances professional credibility but also opens up opportunities for career advancement in the field of surgical technology.
Final words – becoming a certified Surgical Tech is a rewarding journey. Enrolling in a reputable program like Preppy’s Surgical Tech training program makes the journey more beautiful.
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